St. Louis (KSDK) -- The University of Missouri has formed a new partnership with the Saint Louis Zoo to show its support for the tigers at the facility and in the wild.

Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden and other university officials joined the zoo's president in Big Cat Country Thursday.

The university founded Mizzou Tigers for Tigers in 1998 to promote conservation awareness.

"MU has recognized the problematic decline in tigers, and we're attempting to give something back to these great animals," said University of Missouri Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Professor Matthew Gompper. "This partnership with one of the most reputable zoo and conservation programs in the world will help us raise awareness of the challenges that tigers face across the world. We're looking forward to continuing our efforts to ensure the future persistence of tigers."

They also tossed balls carrying the names of some of Mizzou's competitors to the Amur tiger.

Anyone wearing Mizzou-branded apparel to the zoo Thursday will receive a 10-percent discount on food and gift shop purchases.